Dogs
Restricted Dog areas
The following areas have been declared as restricted areas for dogs
Bicentennial Park Dog Exercise Area
Buttons Beach Dog Exercise Areas
Dog Exercise Area West Ulv
Dog Exercise Areas Midway
Dog Exercise Areas Penguin
Turners Beach Dog Exercise Areas
Prohibited Dog Areas
The following areas have been declared as prohibited areas for dogs
Prohibited dog area West Ulverstone
Prohibited dog area Sulphur Creek
Buttons beach prohibited dog area
Picnic Point Beach prohibited dog area
Dogs are great companion animals, but owning one means you have particular responsibilities, both to your pet and also to the general public. The Dog Control Act 2000 and the Dog Control Regulations 2001 provide for the control and management of dogs, as well as informing the community of what the Council expects from dog owners.
The questions below are intended to address common concerns about dog control. If your particular question is not addressed, then please contact us on admin@centralcoast.tas.gov.au - Ph (03) 6429 8900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Identification
1. Do I have to register my dog?
2. How old does my dog have to be before it has to be registered?
3. How do I register my dog?
4. What information is kept about registered dogs?
5. What happens if I move house?
6. What happens if I sell or give my dog to someone else?
7. What happens if my dog dies?
Rights and Responsibilities
8. What are my responsibilities as a dog owner?
9. Does my dog have to wear a collar?
10. Does my dog have to be on a lead in public areas?
11. Where can I exercise my dog?
12. Are there areas where my dog is not allowed?
13. Do I have to clean up after my dog?
14. Can my dog be removed from my property?
15. How many dogs may I keep?
16. What happens if I do not obey the Act and Regulations?
Controlling Dogs
17. What is a dangerous dog?
18. What is a nuisance dog?
19. Can I keep a guard dog?
20. What happens if my dog leaves my property and is impounded?
21. When can a dog be destroyed?
22. Can I be fined if my dog strays into my neighbour's yard?
23. Can I be fined if my dog barks?
1. Do I have to register my dog?
According to the Dog Control Act 2000, every dog over the age of 6 months must be registered by its owner with their local Council. It is a legal requirement, and trying to avoid this by concealing or disposing of a dog is a punishable offence. (See table of offences)
In Central Coast, the annual registration fee is due by 31 July of each year.
|
Particulars |
Amount before |
Amount after |
|
Registration fee for each male or female dog |
$49.00 |
$87.50 |
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Registration fee, on production of evidence for each: |
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Registration fee, on production of evidence, for dog owned by pensioner (one dog only) |
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Registration fee, on production of evidence, for each sterilised dog |
$28.00 |
$38.00 |
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Registration fee, on production of evidence, for each |
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Dangerous dog |
$180.00 |
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and that the following fees also be fixed: |
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| - Detention of dog per day |
$38.00 |
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- Investigation of nuisance complaint |
$25.00 |
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- Licence application: |
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- Licence renewal |
$46.50 |
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- Replacement tag |
$5.00 |
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- Dangerous dog collar: |
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- Dangerous dog sign: |
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2. How old does my dog have to be before it has to be registered?
The Dog Control Act 2000 requires all dogs over the age of six months to be registered with the local Council. (See table of offences)
3. How do I register my dog?
Please click the following link to view and print the Application for Registration of Dogs form.
Dog Registration Form
Once the form has been filled in it needs to be brought into one of our offices so that relevant details can be confirmed before payment is made.
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4. What information is kept about registered dogs?
The following information is held in the Council's dog register:
- dog's name
- age
- sex and reproductive capacity
- dog breed if identifiable
- any identifiable feature of the dog
- whether the dog is a dangerous dog
- owner's name and address
- any other information about the dog the Council considers relevant.
5. What happens if I move house?
If you are moving house permanently, or moving temporarily for more than 60 days with your dog, you will need to notify the Council. This needs to be done within 14 days of moving. If you are transferring to a different municipal area, both your old and new councils will need to be notified in writing.
6. What happens if I sell or give my dog to someone else?
The person who buys your dog will need to notify the Council of the change of ownership, in writing, within 14 days of the sale. As the previous owner, you must call in to the Council and complete a Dog Registration form and sign as the previous registered owner that you no longer own the dog. This must occur within 14 days of the sale. (See table of offences)
7. What happens if my dog dies?
If the unfortunate situation arises and your pet dies, you are obliged to notify the Council in writing within 14 days of the dog's death. This also applies if your dog is lost, or permanently removed from your premises. Once notified, the Council will cancel your dog's registration.
8. What are my responsibilities as a dog owner?
As the owner or person in charge of a dog, you have certain responsibilities and legal requirements. These include:
- registering a dog that is over the age of six months
- keeping your dog on a lead when you are walking on a road or footpath in a city or town
- ensuring that the dog does not roam and that it is under your effective control
- restricting your dog sufficiently while it is in or on a vehicle so that it is unable to leave the vehicle or attack any person or animal outside the vehicle
- preventing your dog from rushing at, or chasing a moving vehicle or bicycle whilst in a public place
- making sure that a bitch on heat is confined away from public places
- cleaning up after your dog.
9. Does my dog have to wear a collar?
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, the owner or person in charge of a dog, other than a guide dog or hearing dog, must ensure that the dog is wearing a collar whilst in public. The dog's current registration tag should be attached to the collar. It is an offence for anyone, without a good reason, to unfasten the collar.
(See table of offences)
This provision does not apply to dogs engaged in:
- working
- hunting
- racing
- showing
- obedience or agility trials
- training for any of the above activities.
10. Does my dog have to be on a lead in public areas?
The Dog Control Act 2000 has provisions for dogs which are, and which are not on a lead, whilst in a public place. If a dog is off a lead and in a public place, then the dog is still said to be under effective control if the following applies:
- the dog is in close proximity to the person
- the dog is in sight of the person
- the person handling the dog can demonstrate satisfactorily to an authorised person that the dog will immediately respond to their commands.
To be under effective control on a road or footpath in a city or town a dog must be on a lead. If the dog is on a lead, it is said to be under effective control only if the lead is less than two metres long, and if the person is of a sufficient age and strength to control the dog.
If a dog is tethered to a stationary object, it must be a lead which is less than two metres long, and for a period not exceeding 30 minutes.
11. Where can I exercise my dog?
The Dog Control Act 2000 provides for a Council to set aside areas for the exercising of dogs, subject to any specified conditions. (See table of offences)
Dog exercise areas
The Council has confirmed that the following areas which dogs can be exercised off their leash without the dogs being deemed to be at large are:
1 West Ulverstone Beach between Josephine Street and Westland Drive.
Note. Area 1 - From November to March dogs are required to be on a leash and can only be exercised on the beach between 7.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m.
2 Midway Beach, Sulphur Creek, east of Creamery Road.
3 Penguin Beach.
4 Buttons Beach, East Ulverstone, from Buttons Creek to The Fish Pond.
Note. Areas 2, 3 and 4 - In December/January/February dogs can only be exercised on the beach after 7.00 p.m. and prior to 9.00 a.m.
5 Watcombe Beach, Penguin.
6 Buttons Beach, Ulverstone, from Leven River to Victoria Street.
Note. Areas 5, and 6 - No restrictions on time of use.
7 Turners Beach, from the Forth River to Claytons Rivulet.
Note. Area 7 - In November/December/January/February/March dogs can only be exercised on the beach after 8.00 p.m. and prior to 9.00 a.m.
8 Bicentennial Park.
Note. Area 8 - Dogs are reequired to be on a leash.
12. Are there areas where my dog is not allowed?
As well as earmarking areas for exercising dogs, The Dog Control Act 2000 enables Councils to declare areas where dogs are not allowed. These can include areas of sensitive habitat for native wildlife. This does not apply to guide dogs or hearing dogs, which are still allowed access.
The Council may declare an area to be one where dogs are restricted from entering:
- during specified hours, days or seasons
- during specified hours, days or seasons, unless they are on a lead.
There are other public places where dogs are prohibited. These include:
- any grounds of a school, pre-school, kindergarten, creche or other place where children assemble, without the permission of the person in charge of that place
- shopping centres and other shops
- the grounds of a public swimming pool
- any playing area of a sportsground on which sport is being played
- within 10 metres of a children's playground
This does not apply to:
- a guide dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially blind person, or is in training for that purpose
- a hearing dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially deaf person or is in training for that purpose
- a pet shop
- the premises of a veterinary surgeon
- a pet-grooming shop
- any other premises related to the care and management of dogs.
13. Do I have to clean up after my dog?
When exercising your dog in a public place, you are always required to clean up after them. Dog faeces are unpleasant and damage the environment. Cleaning up can be done simply and easily with the aid of a scooper or plastic bag and placing the faeces into the nearest rubbish bin.
This does not apply to a guide dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially blind person.
Failure to clean up after your dog can result in a fine of up to $300. (See table of offences)
Rain dissolves dog faeces and it is washed into our waterways. Marine plant and animal life is affected by this pollution. Australian beaches are closed for several days after rain because of this type of pollution. Dog faeces contain E-coli bacteria which can cause ongoing illness in people including vomiting, diarrhoea, and ear, nose and throat infections.
For a fun and informative explanation of dog poo, go to....
14. Can my dog be removed from my property?
If an authorised Council employee has reason to believe that a dog owner has breached a provision of the Dog Control Act 2000, then he or she is legally able to:
- enter onto land owned or occupied by the dog owner, but not any dwelling on that land; and
search for and seize any dog on that land.
If the authorised person wishes to enter a dwelling on that land, he or she is able to do so by a warrant issued by a magistrate.
15. How many dogs may I keep?
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, you are required to apply for a kennel licence if you intend to keep:
- more than two dogs over the age of six months; or
- more than four working dogs over the age of six months.
If you have more dogs than this and do not have a current kennel licence, you can be liable to a fine of up to $500. (See table of offences). In this case, you should apply to your local Council for a kennel licence.
If you need a kennel licence, you should also check with your local Council about local planning laws as some Councils require you to submit a Development Application as well.
For details on how to obtain a licence in order to keep more dogs, contact the Animal Control Officer (03) 6429 8915.
16. What happens if I do not obey the Act and Regulations?
The following penalties are laid out in the Dog Control Act 2000.
OFFENCE UNDER THE DOG CONTROL ACT 2000 APPLICABLE PENALTY
|
Having more dogs than permitted on the footpath or in a public place |
$650 |
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Failing to register a dog over the age of 6 months |
$650 |
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Concealing or disposing of a dog to evade registration |
$650 |
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Using the registration tag of another dog |
$390 |
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Removing the registration disc from a dog's collar |
$390 |
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Failing to attach the registration tag to a dog's collar |
$130 |
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Removing the collar from a dog in a public place |
$260 |
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Urging your dog to chase a moving vehicle |
$1,300 |
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Allowing your dog to chase a moving vehicle |
$650 |
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Failing to notify council of a change of ownership of a dog |
$130 |
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Allowing your dog to be at large |
$650 |
|
Allowing a bitch on heat to be in a public place |
$260 |
|
Taking your dog into a prohibited area |
$1,300 |
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Failing to notify council that your dog is a guard dog |
$1,300 |
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Failing to display an approved dangerous dog sign |
$1,300 |
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Failing to pay any fees and charges if your dog has been seized and |
$650 |
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Failing to notify council of the destruction of an attacking dog |
$650 |
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Failing to return the registration tag of a destroyed dog |
$650 |
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Failing to clean up after your dog |
$390 |
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Allowing your dog to be a nuisance in a public place |
$650 |
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Allowing your dog to be a nuisance to your neighbours |
$650 |
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Keeping more than the allowed number of dogs on your premises without a |
$650 |
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Removing a microchip without consent |
$2,600 |
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Allowing your dog to attack another person |
$2,600 |
Note: These amounts are the maximum penalties that these offences can apply to if the matter proceeds to court. However, Council may issue an infringement notice for a lesser amount in the first instance.
17. What is a dangerous dog?
Dogs may be declared dangerous if they have:
- caused serious injury to a person or other animal
- displayed behaviour that shows the animal is likely to cause serious injury.
If either of the above occurs, the General Manager is able to serve notice on the owner of the dog in question, and declare the dog to be dangerous.
When this happens, the owner of the dog has added responsibilities. Whilst their dog is out in public, they must ensure that:
- the dog is always muzzled
- the dog's lead is no longer than 2 metres and strong enough to control and restrain the dog
- the person in charge of the dog is over 18 years of age.
When the dog is on private premises the owner must ensure that:
- the dog is enclosed in a child proof area
- the dog is secured by a lead no longer than 2 metres when not under the supervision of an adult.
In addition, the dog must be microchipped and always wear an approved collar.
The collar approved (by the Director of Local Government) is red and yellow striped, and is the same as that used in Victoria.
Once a dog has been microchipped, the chip cannot be removed without the consent of the General Manager. If it is removed without consent, the maximum possible penalty is $2000.
If you own a dog that has been declared dangerous, you must also ensure that there are approved warning signs on every entrance to your property. Your local Animal Control Officer will be able to tell you what form these signs and collars should take. (See table of offences)
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18. What is a nuisance dog?
A nuisance dog is generally one that:
- behaves in a dangerous way towards any person
- is often noisy or disturbs the comfort and convenience of neighbours, or anyone in a public place.
As a dog owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is kept under control and does not become a nuisance. Neighbours can complain if your dog unreasonably disturbs the peace, and you risk being fined if you fail to prevent the disturbance.
If you are being annoyed by a neighbour's dog, the best way to handle the situation is to discuss your concerns in a friendly way with your neighbour. If this fails to resolve the problem, the next step is to speak with your local Animal Control Officer. Lodging a formal complaint with the Council should be your last resort, and to do so you will need to complete an appropriate form, pay a fee, and explain the nature and severity of the disturbance.
19. Can I keep a guard dog?
If you wish to keep a guard dog, you need to notify the General Manager in writing. The General Manager will then declare the dog to be a dangerous dog, and the provisions relating to dangerous dogs will then apply. See question 18
When the dog is no longer employed as a guard dog, you can again notify the General Manager in writing, and he/she may revoke the declaration of dangerous dog. (See table of offences)
20. What happens if my dog leaves my property and is impounded?
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, an authorised council officer (usually the Animal Control Officer) of the Council can apprehend and impound your dog if it is found at large outside your property.
If the dog is wearing a registration tag, the General Manager has to let you know in writing that your dog has been impounded, and tell you that the dog can be reclaimed. If, after five working days after the owner has received the notice, the dog has not been reclaimed, the General Manager may sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
If the dog isn't wearing a registration tag and the owner is unidentifiable, the General Manager has to make reasonable inquiries to identify the rightful owner. If unsuccessful in locating the owner, he/she is authorised after not less than 3 working days to sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, if your dog has been seized and impounded, you will be given 5 working days after having received the notice to pay:
- any fees due in relation to the dog's seizure and detention
- any other fees or charges that are applicable under the Act
- the appropriate registration fee if the dog isn't already registered.
(See table of offences)
21. When can a dog be destroyed by me?
The Dog Control Act 2000 states that it is legal to restrain or destroy a dog under the following circumstances:
- if a dog is attacking you personally
- if you see a dog attacking another person, another animal, or a guide dog or hearing dog.
If the situation calls for you to restrain a dog that is at large, you need to notify the Council as soon as possible after the event.
If you are a primary producer and you have livestock that need to be protected, you have the legal right to destroy any dog that is found at large on your property. It is recommended that such a primary producer seeks independent legal advice in respect to their rights and responsibilities for the manner of destruction of the dog in these circumstances.
In extreme cases where a dog has been destroyed, the person who has carried out the deed must notify the Council within 14 working days and return the dog's registration tag if any was worn.
An authorised Council officer or a veterinary surgeon may also seize or destroy a dog if:
- its behaviour is likely to cause injury to another person or animal
- it has already caused injury or death to another person or animal
- it is found in such a distressed or disabled state that it is considered kinder to prevent it further suffering.
If a dog has been seized and destroyed, the authorised Council employee or veterinary surgeon must also notify the Council of the animal's death, and the reasons why it was destroyed.
There is also a provision in the Dog Control Act 2000 that requires anyone who destroys a dog to do so quickly and humanely, without causing the animal unnecessary suffering.
See question 21 for instances where Council has a right to dispose of dogs.
22. Can I be fined if my dog strays into my neighbour's yard?
Your neighbours are entitled to enjoy their garden and backyard without having your dog roaming around in it. It is every dog owner's responsibility to ensure that his or her dog is under control at all times. Owners who do not control their dogs risk being fined up to $500 each time their dog strays. (See table of offences)
See question 21 "What happens if my dog leaves my property and is impounded?" for related information.
23. Can I be fined if my dog barks?
Yes, you may be fined. Under the Dog Control Act 2000 you must not allow your dog to be or become a nuisance to your neighbours, or to the general public. If sufficiently annoyed, people can complain and owners may be fined up to $500 if they fail to prevent their dog from disturbing people with incessant barking. (See table of offences)
See question 19 "What is a nuisance dog?" for related information.
